Swimmer Drowns in Rough Surf off Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS —  A swimmer drowned in the rough surf off the Jersey Shore on Saturday night.

The incident took place on Ocean Terrace on the beach  near the Sand and Surf Motel four blocks north of Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, according to Ocean County Scanner News.

Seaside Heights police chief Tommy Boyd told the Asbury Park Press that several officers ran into the water after several people on the Sky Ride reported seeing the man in the water.

The newspaper reported the man's wife and 5-year-old son watched from the beach.

Seaside Heights police and the Ocean County Prosecutor's  Office have not yet returned messages asking about the drowning.

Thanks to Hurricane Florence a high risk of rip currents and a high surf advisory have been in effect all week along the entire Jersey Shore  with 6-8 foot waves pounding the beaches, many which are unguarded.

Long Beach Township Police issued a warning on Saturday to stay out of the water because of the rough surf. Despite being guarded, swimming was prohibited by the Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol.